The application explorer is used to search and explore an application'​s structure. ​ This tools will show the builder what [[Table|tables]],​ [[Relationship Table|relationship tables]], [[Field|fields]],​ [[Form|forms]],​ and [[Action|actions]] make up and application and their connection to each other.

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===== Accessing the Application Explorer =====

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The **Application Explorer** can be accessed via the tools section of the [[Block Creator#​WorkXpress Handbook|WorkXpress Handbook]].

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{{::​builder_tools.png?​direct|}}

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===== Exploring =====

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When the application explorer first loads a list of all the [[Table|tables]] that make up the application is shown. ​ From here the builder can use the tree to explore the [[Relationship Table|relationship tables]], [[Field|fields]],​ [[Form|forms]],​ and [[Action|actions]] directly associated to the Tables by clicking on one of the row. Or the builder can use the search button to perform a search of the application structure.

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{{::​app_explorer_start.png?​direct|}}

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In this example the Category [[Table|table]] was selected. ​ The [[Relationship Table|relationship tables] are listed at the top followed by the [[Form|forms]],​ [[Field|fields]],​ and [[Action|actions]]. ​ In addition to application structure the list of [[Record|records]] for this [[Table|table]] can also be opened.

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{{::​app_explorer_table.png?​direct|}}

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If a [[Relationship Table|relationship table]] is selected we will see the list of [[Table|tables]],​ [[Field|fields]],​ [[Form|forms]],​ and [[Action|actions]] directly associated to the [[Relationship Table|relationship table]]. ​

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In this example the Categories to Evaluation relationship table was opened. ​ This is a very basic example of a [[Relationship Table|relationship table]] so it only has one other [[Table|table]] that it is connected to and no [[Field|fields]],​ [[Form|forms]],​ or [[Action|actions]] associated with it.

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{{:​app_explorer_relation.png?​direct|}}

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If a [[Form|form]] is selected we will see the list of [[Field|fields]],​ [[Form|forms]],​ and [[Action|actions]] directly associated to the [[Form|form]].

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In this example both the Category Info [[Form Type - Page|page]] and the Category Info [[Form Type - Field Grid|field grid]] where opened to show both examples of child [[Form|forms]] and child [[Field|fields]].

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{{:​app_explorer_form.png|}}

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If a [[Field|field]] is selected we will see the list of [[Action|actions]] directly associated to the field.

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{{::​app_explorer_field.png?​direct|}}

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If an [[Action|action]] is selected we will see the list of the child [[Action|actions]] directly associated to the action.

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{{::​app_explorer_action.png?​direct|}}

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===== Searching =====

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To search inside the application explorer click the search button at the top of the tree to bring up the search interface.

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{{::​app_explorer_search_initial.png?​direct&​300|}}

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The dropdown on the left of the search interface allow the builder to change the type of element being searched for.

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{{:​app_explorer_search_dropdown.png?​direct&​300|}}

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When searching by id it is possible to comma seperate the list of ids to find more than one item at a time. The ids of elements can be found by using the [[Action Manager]], [[Presentation Layer]], or the [[Record Inspector]].

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For example if want to find all of the [[Field Type - Barcode|barcode]] fields in the system we can use this filter:

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{{::​app_explorer_search_filter.png?​direct|}}

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The result of this filter will show which fields are bar code fields, which table the fields are associated with, and on what forms the fields are displayed

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{{:​app_explorer_search_result.png?​direct|}}

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===== Working with the Tables and Fields =====

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The "Add a Table" button next to the "​Search"​ button will allow you to work directly with the data model from the Application Explorer. ​ Click this button to launch the "​Create a Table" Wizard which will walk you through the necessary steps to create a Table from the Application Explorer.

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{{ ::​appexplorer_addtable_2.png?​direct |}}

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When this Table is added, the Application Explorer will reload and show you your new table. ​ Leave the Application Explorer to see the new forms that have been setup to work with this Table.

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===== Record Inspector =====

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The [[Record Inspector]] for any element in the system can be accessed from the application explorer by clicking on the id for that element. ​ This allows the builder to access the record inspector without having to navigate to a page about a record or to access the record inspector about a record that does not have an interface.